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Marian V. Lewis

Marian Lewis Obituary

MARIAN V. LEWIS Jan 2, 1929 - May 23, 2011 Our beloved, Marian V. Lewis, a resident of Palm Beach County since 1952, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 23, 2011, after an extended battle with Radiation Heart Disease. Born in PA in 1929, Marian spent the majority of her life in the great state of FL. Mrs. Lewis served as a highly influential business leader in South Fl. for more than 30 years. As the first female business owner, board member and Chamber of Commerce President, Marian was a maverick paving the road for future development and placement of aspiring career women into leadership positions. Marian was an amazing mother of three children and still developed her real estate career in 1968 working for one of Southern Florida's largest firms. She was promptly promoted to Vice President, immediately becoming a top producer. Shortly thereafter, Marian opened her own office, Marian V. Lewis Real Estate, Inc. Marian was elected to the Fl. House of Representatives in 1986 and served through 1992. She sponsored and successfully passed legislation aimed toward women's health and divorce issues. She also served as Republican Caucus Vice Chair and the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation Chair. She served on many charitable boards and established the "Tom Lewis Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund" at FAU, which is self sustaining. Marian was married to the late U.S. Congressman Tom Lewis, who was also a former member of the Florida House and State Senate. Marian and Tom established a historical milestone being the first husband and wife holding legislative seats simultaneously in the U.S. and State Houses. They were both successful in obtaining funding for State Road US 27 which has, subsequently been named after each of them, "The Tom and Marian Lewis Highway". Marian's tenacity and outstanding will to live life sustained her for the past six years. Marian is survived by three siblings, Robert Vastine (PA), Nancy Vastine (FL), and Tom Vastine(PA); three children, Mickey Lewis Bowman (FL) and husband, Dick Bowman, Thomas F. Lewis III (PA) and wife, Kristen Lewis, and Nancy Lewis Heins (FL); six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. With all the contributions, accomplishments and milestones she achieved, Marian was most proud of her family. She lived an extraordinary life and will be missed very much by her loving family and many devoted friends. Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Royal Poinciana Chapel; 60 Cocoanut Row; Palm Beach, FL 33480-4010. The family has requested contributions to be made to Executive Women Outreach, Inc.; Marian V. Lewis Scholarship; 2300 Centrepark West Drive; West Palm Beach, Fl.; 33409. For online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com. Taylor and Modeen Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated (561)744-2030 Paid Obituary

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Published by TC Palm from May 27 to May 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Marian Lewis

17 Entries

2 Cor. 1:3, 4

July 21, 2011

We are sorry for your loss. May Our Heavenly Father remember her fondly. May you have peace.

Arline Kiselewski

June 3, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the Lewis family. We were sorry to learn of Marian's passing. She and Tom are together again just like we remember them on our trip DownUnder many years ago. We had many good times with them including the Exchange Club activities. And of course, the many political events...even they were fun!
After a friendship that goes back over 30 years, we have many good memories. We shall never forget Marian and Tom. May they rest in peace together.

Arline and Don Kiselewski

Janet Slimak

June 2, 2011

Mickey, Nancy and Tom: How sorry I am to hear of your mom's passing. I was devastated because I should have followed up my last call when I didn't get an answer several weeks ago. I will always regret not being able to say goodbye as I was out of town for notices and funeral. I'd love to catch up with all of you if that's possible. Your mom was an inspiration to me and a light to behold. She was mom, friend, teacher and my real estate guru throughout my career. Thanks to her, I enjoyed many years in real estate. She was my example of love and success. Please know, your mom still holds a place in my heart for all the wonderful things she did not only for me but for all of us who voted. She and your dad did so much for our community and the County. I loved her very much and I will cherish the memory of our last meeting with fellow Realtor's, Ann and Claudia. My sincerest condolences with much love,

Terry Rowe

May 31, 2011

To the Lewis Family,
My Father, Dr. Daniel Rowe, asked that I let you know how sad he was to hear about the passing of your Mom. He remembers her as a wonderful lady and public servant. My Dad is now 92 years old. He recently fell and is hospitalized. He was unable to attend the services but wanted you to know you are in his thoughts.

May 31, 2011

I was sad to hear of Marion passing. I have only seen her once in recent times but have grand memories of the years spent working with Marion in real estate.She was always available to help make the hard decisions and oh, did we laugh a lot. Always a bright place in a dreary day! My love and heart felt sympathy to you, Tom, Mickey and Nancy.

John & Nancy Marshall

May 30, 2011

Condolences and prayers for the family of Marian and Tom Lewis, also gratitude. Tom and Marian made extraordinary contributions to the people of Florida. It seems they did something special for everyone, leaving a legacy that will be felt long into the future.

Pamela Sjosten

May 29, 2011

"Sometimes in life we meet someone with the ability to change things for the better. Marian V. Lewis did just that with style and grace few possess.
Family, friends,and community will benefit her huge imprint for generations.
It has been a privilege knowing Marian.
May Divine Love hold you up ,gently replacing your sorrow with sweet heartfelt memories.Blessing Always

Dick Meyer

May 29, 2011

As has been said, Marian and Tom were the kind of people we treasure knowing our whole lives. Their gifts of time and investments in the lives of the people of So Florida will be an enduring legacy of their great character. Thank you Lord for lending these two fine souls to us for these all too few years.

Jennifer Cray

May 29, 2011

My husband and I feel fortunate that our lives intertwined with the Lewis'. Much has already been recorded of the good deeds and goals they accomplished; both together and as individuals. My memories are liquid and varied..like quick silver. Fun stuffing envelopes (pre-Internet days) for one or the other's campaign. Exchangette events and meetings...there she is smiling and always being the voice of reason. Laughter int the air as we sit around her dinner table and listen to Marian's memories of an earlier time in South Florida. (She nurtured with comfort foods). Marian always made me feel at ease and so very welcome..she made us all feel that way. I guess that is what I will remember most of this energetic lady...how she made me feel. She occupies a special place in my heart.

Mary Maher

May 28, 2011

I was very saddened by the news of Marian's passing. I was made aware today by her daughter Nancy. My heart broke for Nancy as she told me. I was lucky enough to have known Marian and may I say, it was an honor. She was always living life to the fullest and that was inspirational. She always had a smile and positive outlook about everything. Marian always had a fascinating story and I was always eager to listen. She was one classy, sophisticated lady.
My prayers are with her daughter Nancy and the entire family. I know all too well how it feels to lose your "Rock" in life. Remember all the memories and cherish those moments always in your hearts.
Mary~ Total Image Salon, Jupiter, FL

Marlene Dunick

May 28, 2011

I am so sad to read the news of Marian passing. She was one of a kind a great lady!

My life has become fuller because of her as she gave me my first venture in Real Estate 30 years ago & the best Employer I ever had since.

I haven't seen her in years but thought of her often I truly admired her.

Peace be with you with much Love
Marlene K. Dunick

May 27, 2011

It is with such a heavy heart that I post this message. My life is what it is today because of Marian and Tom Lewis. I grew up physically and emotionally with the two of them. While Mr. L was my boss and friend, MVL was like a second mother to me. Although I haven't seen her in years, I always knew she was there. I will miss her. Mickey, Tom and Nancy, please know how much your mother meant to me. I wish you all God Speed as you prepare to send her to heaven to meet back up with Mr. L.

With much love,

Susan Spencer Powers

Gary Frechette

May 27, 2011

I will miss her trips to the mall. She always smiled and gave me a big hug..many cherished memories for me...to the entire family my prayers and thoughts. Lots of Love

Pat DeVore

May 27, 2011

In the 60's/70's women were supposed to be content to be married and housewives. Fortunately for the women who were single, divorced or widowed Marian understood that not all women were married and had to make due on their own.

She put her money where her mouth was and supported women (employment, encouragement and at times, if necessary, financial help) to break through the age and appearance bias so prevalent at that time.

She was an inspiration to us all.

May 27, 2011

We were very sorry to read of Marion's passing. She was a truly wonderful lady and we admired her greatly.
With sincere condolences
Bert and Ellinor Bowman

Eunice Baros

May 26, 2011

I am so sad to hear about dear Marian. She was an inspiration to so many and she always had a kind word and smile...I remember seeing her with her husband at so many local events. They were an admired and respected power couple who performed good deeds throughout their lives. Marian continued to contribute to the community and family after Tom's untimely passing. She had grace and charm. May Marian's memory always be a blessing and may she rest in peace. She was a real trooper!

Patti Hamilton

May 26, 2011

Marian was a tremendous inspiration to our generation. Not only was she a kind and caring person, her sincerity to coach, lead and bring others along set her apart. She led the way in so many areas and set an example for both men and women. Those of us that had any exposure to her are blessed to have known her. God bless her family in this time of loss.

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